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Morris excited to join Marlins' bullpen

8/3/13: Bryan Morris puts out the fire, getting a double play to get the Pirates out of the eighth inning

By Joe Frisaro and Maria Torres
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MLB.com |

MIAMI -- Bryan Morris, the Marlins' newest reliever, was caught off-guard by Sunday's news of his trade from Pittsburgh to Miami.

But he's glad to be joining a pitching staff that could use his help.

"It was unexpected, but I'm very excited," the right-hander said. "It's a young, energetic team, and I'm glad to be a part of it. I'm gonna take it and try to run with it, and hopefully I get the job done."

The Marlins have been searching for experienced back-end options for their bullpen -- which ranks 23rd in the Major Leagues with a 4.04 ERA entering play Monday -- since reliever Carter Capps was sidelined with a right elbow sprain last week.

This year, Morris, 27, had a 4-0 record and 3.80 ERA in 23 2/3 innings for the Pirates. Manager Mike Redmond expects Morris to help shore up a Miami bullpen that has struggled to pitch consistently.

"This guy's been through it. He's pitched in big games and done quite a few different roles, "Redmond said. "He brings that experience where we can get him out there in any situation -- for me -- and let him go out there and pitch."

Miami acquired Morris in exchange for the 39th overall pick in Thursday's Draft. Jose Fernandez was transferred to the 60-day disabled list and Arquimedes Caminero was optioned to Triple-A New Orleans on Sunday to make room for Morris.

Morris is only in his first full year in the Majors, but he brings with him from Pittsburgh some experience with a successful bullpen.

In 2013, he was part of the Pirates' relief corps that was third in the Majors with a 2.89 ERA. Morris pitched in 65 innings and struck out 37 batters to the tune of a 5-7 record and a 3.46 ERA.

"I think that's what's so attractive when you talk about guys," Redmond said. "That versatility is not bringing up a rookie to try and see what he's got. We know the stuff he has. Now it's just a matter of him getting out there and pitching."

Another advantage to the Morris acquisition is that he has experience with long relief. He logged 12 outings of two or more innings in 2013. He's pitched two-inning outings in four of his 21 appearances this year.

"I don't have a particular role that I'm more comfortable with," Morris said. "I wait until my name gets called and I get ready to go."